Liberation Theology

[Ice_nine]

Sorry if this has been asked before but, in a nutshell, what is liberation theology and more importantly why do many catholics (even the pope I think?) have an aversion to it?

[CatherineM]

When the Church started to take on Social Justice more actively about 100 years ago, it brought church workers, missionaries, and religious order members into communities and countries where there are serious issues. It is a fine line to walk in some cases. When you live with the people, and share their burdens, those issues can sometimes overshadow what your real job is, namely their souls. Liberation Theology is enticing because we all want to stand up to injustice. We want to be that person in front of the tank in Tienanmen Square. As you will shortly see when the election season begins, politics is an issue that can stir up very intense emotions. Sometimes church workers get so invested in freeing the oppressed that they take up arms. That's not our job. Jesus told Peter to put down his sword. This is the reason that Pope Benedict put the emphasis in missionary work back on evangelization. It was to remind us what the most important issue is. It is also the reason why clerics are forbidden to run for political office.